Pathotype distribution of Puccinia Triticina erikss. in central and peninsular India

The Prevalence and frequency distribution of different pathotypes of leaf rust in central and peninsular India revealed that, out of 104 and 109 samples analysed during 2007–08 and 2008–09 respectively, pathotype complex 77 was reported most frequently followed by pathotype complex 162. During 2007–08, it was found that pathotypes 77-5 (121R63-1)(67.30%), 77-8(253R31)(28.85%) and 162-2 (93R39) (3.85%), while during 2008–09 pathotypes 77-5 (121R63-1) (32.10%), 77-8 (252R31) (23.85%), 162-1 (93R47)(29.36%), 162A(93R15) (12.84%), 77A (109R31) (0.92%) and 104-3 (21R63)(0.92%) were prevalent in Central and Peninsular India. Lr 24 gene was most effective followed by Lr 9. Whearas Lr 2c, Lr 3, Lr 2a, Lr 14a and Lr 17 were completely defeated by the leaf rust isolates. Monitoring the rust flora for successful l incorporation of Lr genes in wheat breeding programme for their effective deployment in the all zones is necessary along the Puccinia path.